Transition-Metal-Catalyzed and -Mediated Reactions

Abstract

Many widely used organic reactions require the use of transition metals. You have probably already learned about metal-catalyzed hydrogenations of alkenes and alkynes, dihydroxylation of alkenes using OsO₄, and the use of lithium di-alkylcuprates (Gilman reagents) as “soft” nucleophiles. Although the mechanisms of many of these reactions appear mysterious, in fact they are quite easy to understand (in most cases) using some very basic principles. This chapter discusses some of the typical reactions of transition metals. These principles will then be applied to understanding some of the organic transformations mediated by these metals.